Portrait Alison Balsom

The Trumpet's Splendour

About

She is one of the most sought-after trumpet players in the world: at only 35, Alison Balsom gained worldwide recognition as a reference musician for her instrument.

And beyond that, she managed to become the one female trumpet player – the world had only known men before her – and to boost the reputation of an instrument which was often neglected from the concert repertoire before. In 2009, she closed the BBC Proms in London with Haydn's Trumpet concerto, and in 2012, composer James MacMillan dedicated to her a Concertino for trumpet and strings, Seraph (she also recorded it for EMI, a label she joined in 2002).

Crowned by prestigious prizes such as the 'Female Artist of the Year', a title she was given two times at the Classic BRITs, Alison Balsom is an unmissable personality on the classical stage. Here is a portrait to get to know her better.